A Taste of Helsinki in Tokyo: My Honest Cafe Aalto Tokyo Review
It was a typical weekday lunch break. As I opened my browser to kill some time, my eyes caught a familiar, nostalgic name in the discovery feed: ‘CAFE AALTO’. My scrolling thumb froze. The headline announced the shocking news—the legendary Helsinki café was opening its first-ever branch in Tokyo. And of all places, in Marunouchi, a stone’s throw from my office.
Memories of walking through Helsinki years ago flooded back. I could vividly picture the café, peacefully nestled on the second floor of the Academic Bookstore, a masterpiece designed by Alvar Aalto. I remembered the serene moments spent there. However, there was one lingering regret: I had missed the chance to try their famous salmon soup. Now, it seemed that small regret might finally be rectified in Tokyo. I’ve written about my past Helsinki visit here: (My Visit to CAFE AALTO in Helsinki)
The grand opening was yesterday, August 29th. There was no question about it; I had to go. With a racing heart, I rearranged my schedule. Filled with anticipation for reuniting with a cherished memory and embarking on a new experience, I headed to Marunouchi.
Where Marunouchi’s Polish Meets Nordic Warmth: Spiral Garden
According to the news, the café wasn’t a standalone establishment but was located inside a lifestyle shop called ‘Spiral Garden.’ I found it in the Shin-Marunouchi Building, an area exuding urban sophistication. I recalled visiting this unique space before, when it was exhibiting contemporary art. That same place was now setting the stage for a new story.
Beyond the glass entrance, a curated collection of beautiful tableware and home goods from Japan and abroad was on display. As I ventured deeper into the store, a blue digital sign quietly announced the presence of ‘CAFE AALTO.’ It was a completely different approach from the original in Helsinki, which resides amidst the intellectual buzz of the Academic Bookstore. This felt modern, minimal, and distinctly Tokyo.
Stepping into the café space, I saw the golden letters ‘CAFE AALTO’ shining on a beam near the ceiling. Yes, that’s the logo. The familiar font instantly transported me back to Helsinki. The golden pendant lights hanging from the ceiling were also the same design I remembered. Fragments of memory began to connect, and my anticipation solidified into certainty.
At the same time, the differences from the Helsinki original were also apparent. The marble counter lacked the large display case found in the main store. Instead, cinnamon buns were lined up beside the counter with a small sign indicating they were for dine-in only. No takeaways, it seemed. Each of these small discoveries helped to define the unique character of the Tokyo branch.
An Honest Cafe Aalto Tokyo Review: The Reality of Crowds and Wait Times
It was a weekday, just one day after the opening. Perhaps I was a bit too complacent. A long line had already formed in front of the café. There was a waiting list system where you write down your name and party size. A quick glance showed more than ten groups ahead of me. A rookie mistake. I should have come right at opening time, I thought, a wave of regret washing over me.
Fortunately, there were a few chairs for waiting customers inside. After a short while, a seat opened up, and I sat down. However, the wait was far from over. In the end, it took over an hour to be seated. With a later appointment looming, I started to feel a bit anxious.
A View That Makes Waiting Worthwhile
But the wait wasn’t entirely unpleasant. The café features a wall of massive windows, creating a surprisingly open and airy atmosphere. It was a different kind of openness compared to the view overlooking the atrium of the Academic Bookstore in Helsinki. Here, a modern urban panorama unfolded before me.
Outside the window lay the lush greenery surrounding the Imperial Palace. Beyond that, the ever-evolving skyline of Tokyo stood tall. Even the construction cranes piercing the blue sky looked like a piece of art symbolizing the city’s dynamism. Gazing at this view, the act of waiting transformed into an opportunity to savor the space itself. It was a magnificent view that hinted at the café’s immense potential.
Navigating the Menu: A Mix of Anticipation and Indecision
Finally shown to my seat, I immediately opened the menu. Time was of the essence. I tried to calm my racing thoughts and focus on making my selection. My mind was already mostly made up.
Redemption for Helsinki: Salmon Soup and the Essential Bilberry Tart
First and foremost was the salmon soup, my one regret from Helsinki. It was non-negotiable. The menu offered a ‘CAFE AALTO SET,’ which included the soup, a salad, and a cinnamon bun. This seemed perfect for experiencing a full taste of Finland. I chose it without hesitation.
The other star of the show was, of course, the bilberry tart. I had to see if it lived up to my sweet and tangy memories. It was a must-order.
I also wanted a light snack. The ‘Shrimp Croissant Sandwich’ caught my eye. The lightness of a croissant sounded just right for my mood. I added it to my order.
For drinks, I wasn’t in the mood for coffee, and alcohol was out of the question with my afternoon plans. Then, the name ‘Craft Botanical Squash’ stood out. I have a weakness for the word ‘craft.’ A refreshing sparkling drink seemed like the perfect way to cool down my excited mood. I decided on that, along with a simple tea to pair with the tart.
The Tasting: An Honest Review of Flavor, Price, and Service at Cafe Aalto Tokyo
I felt a sense of relief after placing my order. However, this was where my second miscalculation began. The food took an incredibly long time to arrive. Even the drinks were nowhere in sight. I understood they were busy, being newly opened, but the wait felt excessive.
After a while, the set’s green salad finally arrived. But then, another long pause. I couldn’t help but notice that the table next to me, who had been seated after me, was already being served their dishes. A seed of concern was planted.
Salmon Soup & Cinnamon Bun: A Comparison with Helsinki
At long last, the much-anticipated salmon soup was served. The bowl was a bit smaller than I had imagined. A gentle aroma of dill wafted up.
The first spoonful revealed a mild, creamy flavor. But if I’m being completely honest, it tasted a little bland. Perhaps my expectation was skewed by the rich, hearty salmon soups I’d had at places like Kappeli and Esplanad in Helsinki’s Market Square. Was this the authentic taste of the original café, or was it a version adapted for Tokyo? I found myself regretting not having tried it in Helsinki even more.
The accompanying cinnamon bun had a wonderful, rich cardamom flavor. However, it was also very light on sugar, a rustic taste characteristic of Nordic pastries.
Redeeming Delights: The Croissant and Squash
The wait became so long that I eventually had to politely check with a staff member. Shortly after, the ‘Shrimp Croissant Sandwich’ arrived. And it was, without a doubt, delicious.
The flaky croissant was generously filled with plump shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dill sauce. It was a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The fact that this dish was so good made the operational hiccups all the more disappointing.
The ‘Craft Botanical Squash’ also exceeded my expectations. It had a complex, refreshing herbal aroma and a pleasant fizziness that was incredibly satisfying. I would definitely recommend this drink.
A Dialogue with Memory: The Bilberry Tart
Finally, the tea and the bilberry tart arrived together. The moment of truth had come—a reunion with a taste from my memory.
Visually, it looked very similar to the one I remembered from Helsinki. But upon the first bite, something felt different. If my memory served me correctly, the original tart had a more pronounced, yogurt-like tartness and a lighter finish. The Marunouchi version felt sweeter, more like a conventional dessert. It was, of course, delicious in its own right. But for me, who was searching for that specific nostalgic taste, the exclamation of ‘Yes, this is it!’ got stuck in my throat. It was a frustrating feeling.
A Moment at Checkout and Hopes for the Future
I suddenly realized my meeting was fast approaching. I rushed to the register. To be honest, I was slightly disappointed with parts of my experience. As I waited to pay, a staff member approached me and said:
‘We sincerely apologize for our shortcomings today. It was unacceptable that we kept you waiting so long for your food and drinks. We will work hard to do better so that you will consider visiting us again. Thank you for your patience.’
I hadn’t said a word, so their unsolicited apology took me by surprise. I recalled the staff rushing around, clearly doing their best to manage the new, chaotic environment. And in that moment, my frustration melted away. Their sincere words meant a lot. Having this beloved café in Tokyo at all is something of a miracle.
Final Thoughts: My Concluding Cafe Aalto Tokyo Review
CAFE AALTO in Marunouchi has incredible potential. The view from the window is one of the best in the city, and the space itself is a huge asset. Some items on the menu were truly excellent.
However, being brand new, it clearly has some operational issues to work through. Be prepared for crowds and long waits, especially on weekends. I highly recommend visiting when you have plenty of time to spare.
As for the taste, your opinion might depend on how you feel about the differences from the Helsinki original. But I see this as the beginning of a new story for CAFE AALTO, reinterpreted through the lens of Tokyo. I want to believe in the staff who promised to ‘work hard.’ And I, as a fan, want to continue to watch over and support this café as it puts down roots in this city. I’m truly rooting for them.
【Store Information】
Name: CAFE AALTO
Address: Shin-Marunouchi Bldg. 3F, 1-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (inside Spiral Garden)
Official Website: https://www.spiral.co.jp/shoplist/cafe-aalto
Google Map:
